Way to lock side loading?

MuditaOS
1

Considering picking a Kompact up. Is there any built-in way to lock sideloading once it’s set up, e.g., have someone else set a password I don’t know, so no further sideloading is possible without it? Basically a parental-control-style toggle.

Part of the appeal of the phone is the minimalist intent, and an extra lock like this would go a long way for people who want to fully commit. Especially given how easy it is to install Aurora Store or F-Droid as an on-device app store, the current friction (needing a PC) is one APK away from being neutralized, so a true sideloading lock would meaningfully preserve the minimalist intent.

If it doesn’t already exist, any chance it’s on the roadmap?

Thanks!

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Welcome @Shtig I think that locking sideloading and configuration is a good idea. I could see potential for setting up a set of Kompakt phones, lock them and only allow specific safe apps for my family or necessary for business.

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It’s not currently on the roadmap, but I can pass it on to the team.

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@urszula I also have concerns about this - currently the kompakt allows me to just walk into another room and grab my ipad, and I think it would be incredibly useful and a meaningful improvement to the minimalist mindset of the device if mudita could issue a fix. Maybe when excess screen usage is detected, a mudita employee could automatically be notified to come to my house and hit me over the head with a crowbar? Please let me know when the team plans to address this!

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Dear @ArmchairSetup I think you are kidding, I don’t want to have monitoring of usage.

Locking is one way to simply manage and limit capability, and there are many other benefits.

I think it would be providing Administrator authority to managing the MuditaOS, permission for updating from connected devices.

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Do not install fdroid or aurora store on your Kompakt, then the only way to sideload is to connect to a computer and use ADB. Don’t have ADB installed on your computer.

I really think owners have to take responsibility and act like adults, there has to be some degree of self control.

The number of often ridiculous requests for changes to the os, via this forum is getting to epidemic levels.

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Adults have responsibility for children.

Maybe this is something you don’t understand?

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Actually I totally understand an adults responsibility for children.

if controlling access to apps on a child’s phone is a major concern to you, why buy Kompakt? It is your “responsibility” to buy them a phone, that has the functionality, to enable you to do this.

There are many many phones that have this already baked in, any one one of them would be a better choice, instead of trying to have it added to something that doesn’t, and most likely won’t have.

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Yes, you are right, and the Kompakt is a better choice for some of us.

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